Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. Obituaries

Introduction to Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc.

Located at 7557 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD, 20814, Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. has been a pillar of the community, providing compassionate and professional funeral services to families in need. With a long history of serving the Bethesda and Chevy Chase areas, this funeral home has established itself as a trusted and respected institution.

A Legacy of Excellence

Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. has a rich history that dates back to 1952, when Robert A. Pumphrey founded the funeral home with a commitment to providing exceptional service and care to families during their most difficult times. Over the years, the funeral home has remained family-owned and operated, with a continued focus on excellence and dedication to the community.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Gay Antoinette Moran - December 31, 1935 - May 07, 2024

Departed: 05/07/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Gay Antoinette DeMontravel Moran (age 88) of Bethesda, Maryland passed away on Tuesday, May 7th surrounded by loving family. Gay was the beloved wife of Ramsay for 66 years. He previously deceased her in 2023. She was the loving mother of Jeffrey (Kelley), Elizabeth (Michael), and Alexandra (Michael). Cherished grandmother of Alexander, Grace, Allison and Luke.

Gay was born on December 31, 1935, in New York, NY. A New Year’s Eve baby, Gay aptly embraced true joie de vivre. The daughter of Pierre de Tardy DeMontravel and Sylvi DeMontravel (nee Leto), Gay graduated from Hunter College in New York City. Primarily a stay-at-home mother and homemaker, Gay was also employed at NYNEX and in other industries.

Gay raised her family in Larchmont, NY where she enjoyed reading, Jazzercize and spending time with friends and family. Gay's strongest passion, outside her family, was her love of travel. With passport in hand, she traveled the world delighting in discovering new countries, people and cultures. She and her beloved husband, Ramsay, retired to Annapolis, MD in 1996. In Annapolis, Gay’s enthusiasm and exuberance resulted in an ever-growing cadre of friends as a member of the New Annapolitans, a parishioner at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and an active participant in several book groups. After the passing of her treasured Ramsay in 2023, Gay relocated to Bethesda.

Gay was the heart of her family. She was a beloved mother, unfailing friend and a joy to be around. She never met anyone she did not call friend. Gay will always be remembered for her love of adventure, kind spirit and infectious smile.

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Edwarda M. Buda-Okreglak, M.D. - December 30, 1949 - May 06, 2024

Departed: 05/06/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Edwarda M. Buda-Okreglak, M.D. of Kensington, Maryland, passed to eternal rest on May 6, 2024. An accomplished medical doctor, Edwarda was a graduate of Albany Medical College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She specialized in Hematology-Oncology. She was associated with Walter Reed Army Medical Center, NIH and Johns Hopkins University. Among her many awards, she received the National Defense Service Medal for her service in the US Army and the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit from the government of Poland. She had leadership roles in the Polish American Congress, Friends of John Paul II Foundation, Polish American Health Association, Our Lady Queen of Poland Catholic Parish, Polish American Arts Association, Polish Heritage Foundation, and the Polish Legion of American Veterans, and was a member of the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences and the Kosciuszko Foundation

She was born in Poland but grew up in Buffalo, NY. She arrived in the US with her family and quickly excelled as a top student, becoming valedictorian of her high school graduating class. She won many academic scholarships and honors. She found her passion in the medical field but she also realized the need to carry on her parents’ tradition of volunteer service. Edwarda was a lifelong supporter of humanitarian and charitable causes, and was a champion and mentor of younger individuals, volunteering within both the Polish-American community and outside it.

She had a charming smile and boundless energy and when asked for help, responded positively. She will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She was the beloved wife of Richard Zbyszek, dear sister of Bozenna (Bradley) and Anula (Lyle), cherished aunt of Marek (Julianne), Krystyna (Douglas), and Alexander (Kelly); and doting great-aunt of Roselyn Marie, Emeline, Luna, and Robert Bradley. She leaves behind cousins in Poland and in the USA. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Marianna Buda.

Visitation will be at Pumphrey Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda MD, on Thursday, May 16, from 3 to 5 PM. On Friday, May 17, visitation will be in church one hour before Mass begins.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 17, at 10 AM at Our Lady Queen of Poland RC Church, 9700 Rosensteel Ave., Silver Spring MD, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

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Barbara Day Brown - November 20, 1926 - May 03, 2024

Departed: 05/03/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Barbara Day Brown, formerly of Potomac, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2024, of natural causes at the age of 97. Barbara was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was raised on U.S. Army bases in Texas and Oklahoma.

She was a graduate of Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri, and received her bachelor’s degree from the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Barbara was a classically trained pianist. In addition to performing piano concerts, she taught at the Philadelphia Conservatory of Music and The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. She also maintained a private music studio where she taught piano for more than 60 years.

Barbara was a nationally certified piano teacher through the Music Teachers National Association and belonged to the Maryland State Music Teachers Association, Montgomery County Music Teachers Association, Friday Morning Music Club, and was a past president of the Potomac Area Music Teachers Association.

Barbara belonged to St. Francis Episcopal Church, Potomac, Maryland, where she was a member of the choir and served on several committees.

She is predeceased by her former husband Crawford Brown, MD, and survived by 2 daughters, Elizabeth Brown of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Janet Weisman of Alameda, California, two nieces and a number of great and great, great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2:00 PM, St. Francis Episcopal Church, 10033 River Road, Potomac, Maryland. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2121 K Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20037.

Obituary will appear in the Washington Post, scheduled to run on Wednesday, May 8th and Friday, May 10th.

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Joanne Elizabeth Jarboe-Costello - September 01, 1955 - April 30, 2024

Departed: 04/30/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Joanne Jarboe-Costello

On April 30, 2024 of Gaithersburg, MD. Preceded by her mother and father, Mary Kathryn and Joseph Jarboe; as well as her husband, Neil Edward Costello. Survived by her brother, Joseph; her children, Neil Joseph and Kathryn; her granddaughter, Kiera; and many nieces and nephews. She dedicated her life to the care of others through a career in nursing, specializing in pediatrics and later in nursing education.

Family and friends will be received at Pumphrey’s Bethesda Chevy-Chase Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Ave Bethesda, MD 20814 on Tuesday May 14, 2024 from 3-5 and 7-9 PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Jane De Chantal Catholic Church, 9601 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814 on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 10:30 AM. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

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Susan Hench Bowis - July 12, 1933 - April 29, 2024

Departed: 04/29/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Susan H. Bowis July 12, 1933 – April 29, 2024

Susan H. Bowis, 90, died peacefully at her home in Bethesda, MD on April 29, 2024. She had recently been in declining health, but she retained her characteristic grace, generosity, strength of spirit, and sense of humor throughout her long life.

Susan was born in Rochester, MN on July 12, 1933, as the third of four children to Mary (Kahler) Hench and Dr. Philip S. Hench, a rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic who was awarded the 1950 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his contributions to the discovery of cortisone. Following high school at the Laurel School in Shaker Heights, OH, Susan attended Wellesley College, where she fostered her love of writing and received a BA in English in 1955. While a freshman there, she met the love of her life, Frederick H. Bowis, then a sophomore at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. They married during her senior year and eventually settled in Bethesda where Fred joined his father in the family automobile business, Chevy Chase Chevrolet. In addition to raising a family, they shared a love of traveling the world and explored dozens of countries together.

Throughout her life, Susan lived by a philosophy of giving — to her family, her friends, her church, and her community — whether in the form of a carefully-chosen gift, a handwritten poem or note of encouragement, an elegant dinner party, or quality time. A long-time parishioner at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church, she devoted many hours as an elder, on various committees, in the office, and in support of the music program, including the bell choir. She was a lover of theater, the symphony, and opera and was a long-time supporter of The Kennedy Center. Suburban Hospital was another organization close to her heart, and she held various volunteer roles there including as president of the Women’s Auxiliary and Board of Trustees member.

Despite the tragic loss of her husband at age 60 from early-onset Alzheimer’s, Susan lived the next three decades of her life fulfilled. Grandchildren and then great-grandchildren brought her joy, as did completing the daily crossword puzzle, reading and sharing books, playing bridge (and often winning), dining out on salmon and rare hamburgers, and taking her beloved afternoon nap. She also found new ways to engage in her community and met many cherished friends (including her caregiver Kadi) when she moved to Maplewood Park Place in 2015.

Susan leaves behind her children, Debra Bowis of Sarasota, Fl, Wendy Bowis and her partner Chip Newman of Medfield, MA, and John Bowis and his wife, Cheray, of Chevy Chase, MD; grandchildren Benjamin Veghte, Matthew Malacaria, Heather Malacaria, Robert Bowis, Jack Bowis, Bridget Bowis, Antonio DeCandia, Isabella DeCandia, and their loving spouses and partners; and six great grandchildren.

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Joan Perry Gregoire - May 08, 1935 - April 22, 2024

Departed: 04/22/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Joan Perry Gregoire died peacefully on April 22, 2024, in the comfort of her daughter at Friends House Nursing Home. She was 88 years old, just shy of her 89th birthday.

Joan was born on May 8, 1935 in Norwalk, Connecticut, to her loving parents, Nell Wright and John Perry. When Joan was about 5 years old, the family moved to Washington, DC. At age 14, after the death of her mother, Joan went to live with her aunt and uncle in Evanston, Illinois. She graduated from Evanston Township High School, then attended Kendall College, where she studied liberal arts and music. Throughout and after her college career, she worked as a waitress. In 1963, Joan returned to the Washington, DC area to be near her father and brother. In 1975, she began her career at the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, DC, where she served as the secretary to the Branch Chief. She retired in 1997 and began her next career in child care. In 2008, she left the child care field and worked as the front desk greeter at her place of residence, Bethany House.

Joan loved her faith, her church, and Sunday School. She was energetic, and loved children and animals. She was always the first to celebrate a holiday or birthday with cards, flowers, and gifts. As an avid reader and a lover of movies, she enjoyed history, biographies, and films from the '30s and '40s. Joan loved to laugh and make others laugh. She loved her family and was proud of its history. She shared her memories with great enthusiasm and detail. Many decades later, she could still recall stories of World War II: her father writing for the War Department; her family living on rations; and of course, the glorious day the war was declared over.

Joan was a very hard-working woman and did her best to care for her children as a single mother. She loved her grandchildren and always jumped at the opportunity to spend time with them and to help out with their care. She was known for helping others with energy and devotion. Joan had many special friendships over the course of her life, which she kept up with by letters, cards, and phone calls. Joan will be remembered as a loving Mom, a devoted Grandma and Great-Grandma, and a true friend. She was kind and thoughtful, always said thank you, sincerely appreciated others, and always remembered names. A staff member at the nursing home wrote in a note to her family: “She was a special person loved by all of us.”

Joan is predeceased by her brother, Ramsey George Perry.

Joan is survived by her daughter, Shelley Boyd (Marilyn Blandford), her sons, Michael Fohrman and John Riley, her honorary daughter, Dee Dee Shlagel, her grandchildren Kelly Boyd (Doug Carlson) and Daniel Boyd, and her great-granddaughter, Veronica.

The family would like to thank Montgomery Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance, the staff at Friends House Nursing Home, as well as Rachel and Ruth, her private aides, who provided loving care to Joan.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 2nd at Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Ave., Bethesda, Maryland. Interment will follow immediately after at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland-Silver Hill, MD.

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Carmen Camille Williams - February 20, 1946 - April 17, 2024

Departed: 04/17/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: A memorial service for Carmen Williams, 78, of Chevy Chase, Maryland will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11:00 a.m. at Pumphrey Funeral Home at 7557 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. Mrs. Williams was born in Lufkin, Texas on February 20, 1946 to the late Dr. Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, Jr. and Jo Louise Johnson. She died on April 17, 2024. Mrs. Williams loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole Williams; son, David Williams; and granddaughter, Avery.

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Sylvia Adair - December 29, 1934 - April 17, 2024

Departed: 04/17/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Sylvia Howard Adair, 89, passed away on April 17, 2024.

Sylvia was born on December 29, 1934, to Alphonse and Phillo Howard in Houston, Texas. After graduating as valedictorian of the Booker T. Washington High School class of 1952, she went on to Dillard University where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Her academic achievements earned her a scholarship to the Columbia University School of Social Work in New York City.

After graduating from Columbia with a master’s degree in social work, she started her career in early childhood education first with the East End Neighborhood Settlement House and later with the Cleveland Board of Education as a school social worker. She retired in 1996 after serving the children of the city of Cleveland for more than 30 years.

She married in 1962 and went on to have three children, Jocelyn, Jennifer and Jay.

After retirement, Sylvia spent her time traveling the world, visiting with her friends and going on adventures with her children.

Sylvia is survived by her daughter Jennifer and her son Jay.

Services will be held in Maryland at Pumphrey Funeral Home in Bethesda on May 10, 2024, at 11:30 and in Cleveland at Antioch Baptist Church on May 17, 2024, at 11:00. Both services’ live stream information will be available on their websites.

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Dennis John DeVany - October 20, 1950 - April 16, 2024

Departed: 04/16/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Mr. Dennis John DeVany, age 73, a life-long Bethesda resident, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda. He was the husband of Linda DeVany. Born on October 20, 1950, in Arlington, Virginia, he was the son of the late Robert T. and Anne M. (Wenzel) DeVany.

Mr. DeVany graduated from the Landon School, Bethesda in 1969 and continued his education at St. Lawrence University, Canton, New York, graduating in 1973. He entered the workforce in 1974 serving the Civil Aeronautics Board, which was abolished and folded into the US Department of Transportation (DOT) in 1985. He retired from DOT in 2018. He primarily ran the Essential Air Service Program. In his free time, he enjoyed playing disc golf with his sons and was a big part of poker night at the home with his son’s friends.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two sons, John R. DeVany and Andy T. DeVany (Allex Benedict), his sister Susan Bruning, his brother Robert DeVany (Connie), and his nephews Chris (Megan) and Tim Bruning (Kate).

A celebration of life will be held on May 19 from 2:00p-4:00p in Bethesda, MD. Contact the family for details.

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Patrick Timothy Lanigan - December 12, 1940 - April 14, 2024

Departed: 04/14/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Patrick Timothy “Pat” Lanigan passed away peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living in Potomac, Maryland on Sunday, April 14, 2024. He was known throughout his life for his love of family and friends, his sense of humor, and his service to the community. Pat loved his family and

people in general. Born into a multigenerational Washington, DC family, Pat was born in Philadelphia to U.S. Marine Corps General John Ralph “Pat” Lanigan and Anne White Lanigan on December 12, 1940. A military brat, he grew up at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Paris

Island, in Arlington, TX, and Washington, D.C. He graduated from St. Johns College High School in D.C., and attended American University

and the University of Maryland. Pat served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1959 to 1963 and the U. S. Air Force Reserves from 1963 to 1966. From 1962 until 1980, he served on the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. He was the youngest Plainsclothesman appointed to the Detectives Bureau. Former MPD Chief Maurice Cullinane gave Pat the call sign of “Bo Peep” because of his handsome, fair complexion. After a storied career with MPD and retiring as a Detective Sergeant, Pat was Director of Hotel Operations for Doggett Enterprises, Inc., and Director of the U.S. House

of Representatives Garages and Parking Security. Pat was a deeply engaged community member and leader. He was a long term Executive Committee member of HEROES (“Honor Every Responsible Officer’s Eternal Sacrifice”), an organization dedicated to honor the supreme sacrifice made by law enforcement officers and firefighters, and a Founding Officer and Past Treasurer of the Fraternal

Order of Police. He was a member of the Police Emerald Society of D.C.

and the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Pat and his family were longtime members of Kenwood Country Club, where Pat enjoyed challenging himself with the game of golf, and where he was a Past Chairman of the Board of Governors and Executive Committee Member. He was also a past President of the Sumner Citizens Association and former Chair and Board of Governors member of the Spring Valley West Home Corporation. He coached his son Tim’s MSI soccer teams. Pat loved the Washington Commanders, holding season tickets from the 1970s until 2010, and he became an avid fan of

the Washington Nationals. He was an avid fisherman. He loved fishing for flounder, sea bass, and weakies on the Miss Avalon II out of Avalon, New Jersey, and fished the White Marlin Open out of Ocean City, MD, for many years. He enjoyed traveling domestically and internationally with his wife Kathy, his

brother Dennis, and Kathy’s sister Karol, who were also married. Pat was predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years Kathleen (“Kathy”) Loos Lanigan, his brother Michael “Miguel” Lanigan, and his dear niece

Mary Kate Donovan (neé Hooke). Pat is survived by his beloved sons Patrick Timothy Lanigan Jr. (Allison Kennedy) and Brantley White (Salli), his adored grandson, Finn Lanigan and granddaughters Abigail and Megan White, his brothers Dennis (Karol) Lanigan and Kevin (Puller) Lanigan, and many beloved nieces,

nephews and cousins. A wake will be held April 22, from 4 - 6 pm; services are April 24 at 10 am, both at Robert A Pumphrey Funeral Home, 7557 Wisc. Ave., Bethesda. Internment immediately after at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct your kindness in Pat’s honor to HEROES, INC and

the D.C. Police Foundation. https://heroes.org/ https://www.dcpolicefoundation.org/

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Rudolph William Heglas - July 05, 1932 - April 12, 2024

Departed: 04/12/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Rudolph William (Rudy) Heglas, 91, died peacefully at Kensington Park Senor Living, in Kensington, Maryland, on April 12, 2024. He was born on July 5, 1932, in Livermore, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Frank and Antonia Heglas. Rudy was the youngest of ten children and grew up on a small farm. After high school, he attended the Robert Morris Business School before joining the United States Air Force. He served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1955. During that time he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Upon his return, he attended the Pennsylvania State University through the GI Bill and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

Rudy married the love of his life, Clementina (Dena) Celinski on May 13, 1961. They moved to the Washington D.C. suburbs and he started his career as an aeronautical engineer in the Propulsion Branch at the David Taylor Model Basin in Bethesda, Maryland. He continued working as an aeronautical engineer for the United States Department of the Navy for over 30 years. Rudy was an adoring husband to Dena, a loving and devoted father to his two children and an amazing Grandpap to his five grandchildren.

Rudy was an avid outdoorsman, spending countless hours in retirement hunting, fishing, crabbing, birdwatching, and gardening. He also had an artistic side wherein he enjoyed painting, jewelry design, and rush seat weaving. His favorite pastime was woodworking where he spent most of his time meticulously carving and painting realistic duck decoys and native birds. In addition, Rudy was the neighborhood’s handyman always ready to jump into action with his toolbox and duct tape. He was an avid Penn State Football fan and never missed listening to or watching a game, cheering on his Alma Mater.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Dena, his son David Heglas (Tracie) of Winchester, Virginia, his daughter Linda Peoples (Christopher) of Kensington, Maryland, and five grandchildren: Nicholas Peoples, Tyler Heglas, Timothy Peoples, Tucker Heglas, Natalie Peoples and numerous extended family. In addition to his parents, Rudy is proceeded in death by his four brothers and five sisters. His love for nature and the outdoors lives on through his children and grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Audobon Society

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Margaret Doyle Giebel - March 14, 1925 - April 08, 2024

Departed: 04/08/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Margaret “Peggy” Doyle Giebel, 99, beloved matriarch of a large family from Bethesda, Md., passed away April 8 at her home in Ashburn, Va. Born in 1925 in Georgetown, she was a third-generation Washingtonian and the youngest and last surviving member of a

family of eight children born to parents Agnes J. and William T. Doyle. Peggy grew up in what today is the District’s Kalorama Triangle and attended Sacred Heart Academy high school. She graduated from Georgetown Visitation Junior College

in 1945 with an associates degree, and subsequently worked for Perpetual Savings & Loan. In 1948, she married Richard Giebel of Washington, DC, following his service in the U.S. Army during WWII. The couple moved to the emerging community of Bethesda

during the post World War II construction boom. Peggy and Richard were founding members of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church in Bethesda, established in1950. The Giebels raised seven children in Bethesda where they lived for 58 years before moving to Ashby Ponds seniors community in

Ashburn in 2007. Peggy was cherished by family and friends for her outgoing personality, kindness, generous spirt and lively sense of humor. Her enthusiasm for welcoming visitors to her

home with a ready smile and good conversation never diminished over the decades. Richard, her beloved husband of 66 years, predeceased her nine years earlier in 2015

on April 8, the same day that Peggy died. Survivors include her seven devoted children, Richard Jr. (Virginia), Adrienne Foley (Joseph), John (Joann), Greg (Patti), Elise Rand (James), Joan Thornton (James) and

Mark; 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was beloved by numerous nieces and nephews. Peggy was the last surviving member of the “greatest generation” for the extended Giebel-Doyle family.

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Eileen Marie O'Connor - January 08, 1942 - April 07, 2024

Departed: 04/07/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Eileen Marie O’Connor of Bethesda, Maryland, died peacefully on April 7, 2024, in her home surrounded by her sisters. She had battled several forms of cancer during the last ten years, but that did not deter her from engaging in a busy and content life.

Eileen was born on January 8 in the Bronx, New York City. For grade school and high school, she was taught by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, for whom she had great respect. She received her nursing degree from the Washington Hospital Center School of Nursing. While working as a nurse, she attended the University of Maryland, earning a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology.

At the Washington Hospital Center, she served as the head nurse in the Emergency Department, and helped set up their Trauma Center. Following that, she took a 2-year sabbatical to obtain a Master’s Degree as a Clinical Specialist in Mental Health/Psychiatric Nursing from Catholic University. She was subsequently inducted into Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society.

She was head nurse on the 46 bed Psychiatric unit at Prince George’s Hospital. This was the inpatient component of their Comprehensive Mental Health Center. She worked as a liaison nurse at Commonwealth Hospital and a consultant in setting up their Psychiatric Unit. When the hospital moved to Fair Oaks, VA. she returned to Washington and was the supervisor of the Cigna section of Intercrop at the American Psychiatric Association. She was coordinator of Partial Hospital Program at Psychiatric Institute.

Later she worked at the Veterans Flagship Hospital in the District. There she worked in Nursing Education, but changed to a Clinical Specialist position in order to set up Hospital’s Partial Hospital Program. After retiring from government service, she taught clinical and subject matter classes at Catholic University. Her last position was at Walter Reed Medical Center where she served on a contract basis in the Liaison Research Program.

Eileen enjoyed music and sang with the Saint Jane de Chantal Church choir. She enjoyed travel and made several trips to Ireland, Italy, Spain and England.

Eileen made many friends wherever she studied, worked, and travelled. She felt blessed to have known so many good people in her life.

She leaves behind: her sisters - Jean Murphy of Severna Park, MD and Martha O’Connor of North Bethesda, MD; nieces Michelle Doerr (Chuck) of Annapolis, MD, Maria Yeager (Ray) of Annapolis, MD, and Melissa Kenshalo (Dan) of North Tustin, CA. She will also be missed by her great nephews Joey Murphy and Charlie Doerr of Annapolis, MD, and Daniel Kenshalo, of North Tustin, CA, and great nieces, Fiona Kenshalo of North Tustin, CA, and Abby Yeager of Annapolis, MD.

The family will receive friends at the Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 17, from 4:00 to 6:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 18, at 11:00 at Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Church, 9601 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

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Anna Veronika Sullivan - June 06, 1934 - April 05, 2024

Departed: 04/05/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Anna Veronika Sullivan, beloved mother, grandmother, and Teta, died peacefully at her home in Kensington, MD.

Anna was born on a farm in Czechoslovakia and was a young girl when World War II swept across Europe and through her village. After the war, the iron curtain descended on Europe and she was forced to learn Russian in school, something she disliked at the time, but that would later prove useful. She graduated high school, earned her associates degree in accounting, and moved to the city of Kosice with her twin sister Magda to start her career. In 1964, Anna traveled to Gary, Indiana to visit her aunt and after a short visit, she decided to stay and make a new life for herself. This was a jailable offense in Communist Czechoslovakia and staying in the US meant she might never be able to return home. Despite not knowing much English, she put her accounting skills to use and was hired by a local bank. In 1966, she went to visit Washington, DC. Anna liked the city of DC so much during that visit that while there, she secured a job at American University in the new field of computers and moved to DC two weeks later. Not long after moving to Washington, Anna found herself at a dinner party sitting next to a young man from Baltimore. Although he did not speak Slovak and she was still learning English, they found that they both spoke Russian; and so they spoke Russian all that evening and all throughout the time they dated. They married in May of 1968 and over the years he learned Slovak and she learned English. They moved from DC to Kensington, MD in 1971 and raised their son in the same home she lived in for the rest of her life. A home that was filled with laughter, flowers, the smell of fresh baked Slovak pastries, and frequent guests from Czechoslovakia and beyond. She was able to return to Slovakia many times to visit her sisters and her nieces, nephews, and old friends while also becoming a beloved part of her husband’s family in Baltimore; joining them in countless crab feasts, oyster roasts, holiday celebrations, and ocean cruises over the years. After working in the American University computer department for 42 years, she retired to travel, enjoy her garden, and spend time with her family and friends, especially her grandson.

She is survived by her son Wesley E. Sullivan IV, daughter-in-law Ellen Nedrow Sullivan, and her grandson Wesley E. Sullivan V. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years Wesley E. Sullivan III and her sisters Helen, Mary, and Magda.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD, 21228.

Relatives and friends may call at Pumphrey Funeral Home 7557 Wisconsin Ave. Bethesda, MD, Tuesday April 16, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Summit Ave & Cable Drive, Kensington, MD, on Wednesday, April 17 at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

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Alapati Krishna Kumaran - July 17, 1932 - April 04, 2024

Departed: 04/04/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Alapati Krishna Kumaran, "Krishna" to his friends and colleagues, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on April 4, 2024, at the age of 91. He was born on July 17, 1932, in Govada Village, Tenali Taluk, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. Within his extended family, he was a pioneer in pursuing a career overseas. Throughout his life, Krishna was known for his wisdom, kindness, and scholarly mind, and the advice and inspiration he provided others.

Krishna is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jyoti, his son Nanda (Amy) his cherished grandchildren Sophia and Tobias, his devoted sisters-and-brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his three older brothers in India. His family remembers him as a guiding light who encouraged excellence.

Krishna earned a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Madras, and had a long and successful career in academia both in India and the United States. He was a respected Professor of Biology at Marquette University from 1969 until his retirement in 1997, then went on to serve at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences for several more years. His research, expertise, and passion for education were widely recognized, leading to his election as Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Outside the classroom, Krishna was a man of many interests. He found joy in the mental challenge of Sudoku puzzles, and kept up with current events. He relished engaging others in lively debates on topics ranging from politics to economics to social justice. His fascination with history and religion was evident in the reading material he sought and the media he watched. Krishna was a regular figure at the local public library's conversation club, where he engaged with students and community members alike.

Krishna lived his life on his own terms. He generously gave his time to others, many of whom considered him a mentor. And, in his final years, he often said that he had no regrets. He will be remembered for all of this, and his impact will continue to resonate with everyone who was fortunate enough to cross his path.

The family does not want flowers. Feeding America 161 North Clark Street Suite 700 1-800-771-2303 Chicago IL 60601 https://www.feedingamerica.org/ Donate at: https://give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate-in-honor

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Nancy Collins Rubino - September 23, 1927 - April 04, 2024

Departed: 04/04/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Nancy Katherine Collins Rubino, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, died peacefully at her home in Bethesda, Md. A retired Montgomery County reading specialist and proud Vassar graduate of 1948, she lived a life of compassion, service and love for her family and her community. In 2017 Cardinal Donald Wuerl individually recognized her, as well as other lay Catholics from the Washington Archdiocese, with the “Manifesting the Kingdom” award “for serving the Catholic Church and their communities faithfully and reflecting Christ’s mission.” She was born at Ft. Benning, Ga., where her father was stationed as an instructor at the Army Infantry School. The third and youngest child, she grew up on Army bases -- Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., at age 3; Ft. McKinley in the Philippines at 5 – before settling in Washington, D.C., at 10. For most of World War II, she lived alone with her mother after her siblings had left for college. It must have been hard as a young teen to try to follow – through newspaper articles and intermittent letters – where your father was fighting as he led the key infantry division that defeated the Japanese at Guadalcanal in the Pacific and then commanded U.S. forces landing on Utah Beach on D-Day and liberating the first city in France, Cherbourg. Her father was a front-line field commander throughout the war, including the “Breakout” from Normandy and the counterattack that succeeded in the Battle of the Bulge. In letters home, her father entrusted her to buy her mother flowers for missed birthdays and keep her mother from “doing too much.”

Vassar College gave her friends for life, particularly Mary Morrow, Midge Loeffler and Marcia Burnham. But it was soon after graduating, while working as a first-grade teacher at Holton-Arms, when she met Michael at a party of Catholic University students and married him April 19, 1952. His career in the CIA led her to two long European postings: five years in Berlin (1956-60) and another five in Brussels (1962-67). Amidst packing and unpacking, trying to learn one foreign language and then another, she had six children in 8 ½ years. Yes, 8 ½ years.

She was a calm organizer par excellence. She assigned all six children a particular color (red, yellow, blue, pink, green, orange) for their towels, cups, toothbrushes. Each older child was responsible for a younger one’s hand while traveling on airplanes, trains, ocean liners. Medical emergencies and hospital stays, threats from the Hungarian revolution (as a CIA officer, Michael had to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice, while she and other wives would have to remain behind with children), a revolving round of new schools – she remained unflappable. Instead, she remembered with relish how she chose to give birth to Cecilia and John in a German maternity hospital, where she got “pampered” for a week and was served beer for lunch and dinner.

She loved her Tennyson Street house in Washington, D.C., but only lived there for two years between Berlin and Brussels. Upon returning stateside in 1967, she found a larger house in Bethesda where she lived the rest of her life – such a gift. She appreciated living close to her parents, whom she cared for in their final years, organizing home care for many years, as Margaret has done for her these past seven years.

She was a healthy food enthusiast from early on. Inspired by Adele Davis in the 1950s, she raised her children on homemade yogurt and blackstrap molasses – the latter much to her children's and grandchildren’s chagrin. In the 1970s, she enthusiastically volunteered for the Bethesda Co-op soon after it opened in Cabin John, where she could even buy brewer’s yeast in bulk.

She was a nature lover and Rachel Carson/Aldo Leopold admirer, inspiring her children and grandchildren with bird-watching and identifying bird calls. A green thumb, she gardened and grew violets, delighting in sharing Christmas holly bouquets with neighbors, supervising flower arrangements at church and supporting the American Chestnut Land Trust. She took five of her six children on a month-long cross-country trip to hike the national parks and study the night sky, looking for shooting stars. Seeing family and friends was a bonus.

She loved teaching and caring for children. With a group of women, she helped start a daycare center – “from scratch,” as her husband said – at the River Road Unitarian Church, which opened in 1970 for children from low-income families. She served on its board and as board president. From 1974 to 1982 she taught part-time in the local Montgomery County schools, primarily as a reading teacher. She even biked to work when the school was nearby. For several years she took evening and summer classes at the University of Maryland (including statistics!) and finally got her “reading specialist” certification in 1980. Her grandchildren, benefiting from this renewed passion, were encouraged to write in their journals during required summer siestas at the Chesapeake Bay beach house she inherited from her parents, Jayhawk. In her final years, she relished seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren – in person and on FaceTime. They lit up her eyes and brought such smiles. She said goodbye by making the sign of the cross on their foreheads.

Her faith in God was central to her life. She started her day with prayer. She devoted herself to serving others as best she could. She taught religion to children and teenagers at Catholic churches, devoting decades to St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in many capacities. She took leadership roles on the church council and in liturgical matters but also quietly sewed church banners and baptismal stoles. She particularly enjoyed her trip with St. Barts friends to Palestine and Israel.

Family and friends remember her as a compassionate, giving person who created space for others to express their needs, who sought always to be of service. Despite the difficult physical constraints of her final years, she lived with such dignity and grace. The Prayer of St. Francis was her favorite. Make me a channel of your peace, It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

In giving of ourselves that we receive.

And in dying that we're born to eternal life.

She is survived by her six children, Michael Rubino (Mary McGuire Rubino), Anna Rubino (Dick Schneider), Margaret Rubino, Cecilia Rubino (Peter Lucas), John Rubino (Arabella Hutter), and Helen Rubino (Paul Turco); 15 grandchildren, as well as 14 great-grandchildren: Katherine Rubino Nash (Nathaniel Nash VI) and children, Nathaniel VII and Saoirse; Michael G. Rubino (Joanna Berry) and son, Killian; Paul Rubino (Hailey Alm) and sons, Oliver and Simon; Christopher Rubino (Catie Penny Rubino) and children, Emilia and Wesley; Laurian Schneider Lane (Jonathan Lane) and children, Julianna, Michaela, Eleanor and Theodore; Caroline Schneider Djamalov (Adil Djamalov) and son, Samuel; Elena Schneider (Eli Stokols) and sons, Charles and Ryne; Annabella Fiorito; Will Lucas; Noah Lucas; Numen Rubino; Alma Hutter; Samuel Turco; Gabriel Turco and Seamus Turco. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Michael J. Rubino; her parents, General J. Lawton “Lightning Joe” Collins and Gladys Easterbrook Collins; her brother Joseph (Jerry) Collins and sister Gladys Collins Stenger, and her great-granddaughter, Anna Djamalov.

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Surinder Kaur Dhillon - October 22, 1942 - April 02, 2024

Departed: 04/02/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: On April 2, 2024, Surinder passed away at 11:50 AM surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Jogindar Dhillon, daughter Michele Francis, son Neil Dhillon, grandchildren (Adrianna, Donte, Logan, and Amaya), and extended family.

She was born on October 22nd, 1942, in Lahore formerly British India to Pritam Singh and Dalip Kaur Dosanj. She grew up in a large family consisting of 4 brothers and one sister. She was very close to her parent, brothers and sister; and always looked for an opportunity to visit them in India.

After high school she attended Punjab University in Chandigarh, India and received Master of Science degree in Anthropology in April 1965. As a part of her master’s thesis, she travelled to Kulu/Manali in Himachal Pradesh to obtain fingerprints of the local population to determine their ethnic origin. During her post graduate studies, she attended Maharaja Sayajirao (MS) University in Baroda, Gujrat, India where in October 1967 she received a diploma in Museum Science. During her education in Baroda, she travelled extensively in India as a part of her curriculum. Along with her classmates she visited all the major Museums in India. After graduation she was hired as an Assistant Museum Curator at Government Museum & Art Gallery in Chandigarh. She was responsible for overall management of the Museum. Throughout her life she fondly remembered her job at the Museum.

She got married on December 16, 1970, in Chandigarh. She arrived in United States in February 1971. She and her husband lived in various cities; Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia; Reading, Pennsylvania; Germantown and North Potomac, Maryland.

Surinder gave birth to two children, Michele in 1974 and Neil in 1981. She was very affectionate and loved her children dearly while keeping track of their activities. She was always willing to listen to them at all times of day or night.

She was fond of watching Indian movies. Although her heart was travelling far and wide. She along with her husband travelled to about 80% states in the U.S. The family travels also took her to several Asian and European countries. Following the Funeral Services, Antim Ardas will take place 12:30 – 1:30 pm followed by Langer at Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, 13814 Travilah Road, Rockville, MD 20850

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James Malcolm Hall Gregg - October 05, 1935 - April 02, 2024

Departed: 04/02/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: James Malcolm Hall Gregg of Potomac, Maryland, a former federal government senior executive and author, died of natural causes on April 2nd at the age of 88. Born on October 5, 1935, in Florence, South Carolina, James’s parents were the former Ethel Hall Gregg of Wilmington, North Carolina, and Thomas Ennett Gregg, of Florence, South Carolina. He grew up in Decatur, Georgia and Natick, Massachusetts with his younger sister, Nancy Gregg Little, who survives him. He graduated from Natick High School, where he was class president, and attended Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in experimental psychology.

Following graduation from Harvard, James enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Ninth Infantry Division in Germany and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service prior to being honorably discharged.

He married the late Dianne Bloom Gregg, his wife of 63 years, who helped put him through Harvard Law School by working at the Harvard Divinity School. Following James graduation from law school with a Juris Doctor degree, and the birth of his eldest son, John Malcolm Hall Gregg, the family moved to Silver Spring, Maryland where James began a distinguished federal government career, beginning at NASA. The family soon moved to their long-time residence in Potomac, Maryland.

James served in the federal government’s Senior Executive Service with leading executive roles in the Office of Management and Budget, White House Special Action Office for Drug Abuse Prevention, the creation of the Department of Energy, the Office of Personnel Management, the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration (LEAA), the Department of Justice, and the Veterans Administration. James received the Department of Justice Medal, the nation’s highest award in law enforcement, from then Attorney General Griffin Bell, in a special ceremony in recognition of his contributions as LEAA Acting Director. James completed his career directing the planning for a huge expansion of the VA hospital and nursing home systems to accommodate the influx of veterans eligible for benefits after having served in World War II and the Korean War.

In retirement, James wrote several books including “Social Justice”, “Ideas of a Twentieth Century Grandfather”, and “Zen Master”. He also created a spectacular garden with his wife, Dianne, traveled the world, and led family activities with his children and grandchildren. James “Jim” is survived by his sons John Malcolm Hall Gregg (Wendy Stasolla) and Thomas Gregg (Elisha Gregg), daughter, Jennifer Gregg, four grandchildren, Anna, Ian, Sara, & Caroline Gregg, and sister, Nancy Gregg Little.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at the Potomac Presbyterian Church at 10301 River Road, Potomac, Maryland.

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Donald Bryce Sylvain - August 18, 1930 - April 02, 2024

Departed: 04/02/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Donald Bryce Sylvain was born 18 August 1930 in Hartford, CT. A man of resolute faith and service, Don left this world peacefully on 02 April 2024.

Don’s childhood encompassed both the Great Depression and World War II. An only child, his formative years took place near the Veeder-Root Manufacturing Company, where both his parents worked on mechanical counters and early computing devices fielded to WWII vehicles. These historic touchstones clearly shaped the man he would become.

He first pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering at Trinity College, but duty called, and he put his education on hold to volunteer for the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict in 1952. He served honorably for four years, trained as a Weather Observer, and rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant before separating in 1956.

He completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Dayton in 1958, during which time he learned of Pax Christi’s pen pal program, intended to acquaint youth with their counterparts around the globe in the hope of preventing another world war. A young Swiss woman named Elfrieda Faeh reached out to Pax Christi to request an American woman to correspond with, but none were available. Thankfully, Elfie was willing to accept a young American man, instead.

Don completed his Master’s in Public Administration at Fordham University. Elfie’s first trip to the United States coincided with his graduation in 1960. He met her at the airport, not as a potential beau, but simply because he was a gentleman. Elfie intended to study American culture and work as a nanny for a year before returning to Switzerland to pursue a career in social work, but they maintained their correspondence via handwritten letters and reel-to-reel audio recordings until, at last, sparks flew. They were wed in October 1961. Don had found his destiny in the Sacrament of Marriage to Elfrieda, whom he cherished and protected for more than 62 years.

He found other vocations in family, raising three sons, and embarking upon a 33-year career in the Public Health Service (part of what is now known as the Department of Health and Human Services). He retired in June 1993.

In between these important responsibilities, Don pursued a love for amateur radio, connecting with hams from the South Pole to the Northwest Passage, and receiving recognition for providing emergency communications support during several DC-area weather emergencies. He delved deeply into his family’s past, digging through dusty records in Canada, tiny European churches, and even venturing into the wilds of the Internet to piece together his Sylvain, Nichols, and Bisson/Besaw family trees. He also volunteered with the Red Cross, delivering reading materials to wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Perhaps most important all, he found community at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, helping anchor the choir’s bass section for more than 40 years, and applying his well-known attention to detail as a volunteer counter for the Sunday collections.

Still vigorous at the age of 93, an unexpected but mercifully short illness took him on the evening of April 2nd, just a few hours after settling into hospice care at the Sylvain family home in Bethesda.

Donald was preceded in death by his father George William Sylvain and mother Artemise Helen (Besaw) Sylvain.

In addition to his loving wife and partner, Elfrieda, Donald is survived by his three sons: Christopher George Sylvain (Ellen Wilds), Stephen Andrew Sylvain (Lisa Lepa), and Nicholas Peter Sylvain (Tina Lawson). He is also survived by one granddaughter, Linnea Helen Sylvain.

The choir of Heaven now has Don’s joyful, resounding bass singing with all the saints in glory.

Amateur Radio Operator WA3WOD is a silent key. 7 3 O M.

The Sylvain family will welcome friends and community for a viewing at 10:00 AM, 16 April 2024, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 9701 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda, MD 20814.The eulogy will be read at 10:45 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at approximately 11:00 AM. Committal will take place at 1:00 PM the same day in Section 14 of Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906.

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James Michael Ready - December 06, 1937 - March 31, 2024

Departed: 03/31/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: JAMES M. READY (Age 86)

On March 31, 2024, in Germantown, MD. Dear husband for 35 years of the late Mary Louise Ward Ready; father of Michelle Ready McGarry (Boston, MA), Matthew Ready and daughter-in-law Stacey Larsen (Port Townsend, WA), and Timothy Ready and daughter-in-law Jamie Ready (Poolesville, MD). Grandfather to Zoa McGarry, Marybeth McGarry, James McGarry, Demitri Ready, Sariah Ready, Isaiah Ready, John Ready, and Olivia Ready. Great-grandfather to Levi Harrison and Logan Ready. James is survived by a sister, Regina Wright (Marshfield, MA); brother David Ready (Waltham, MA) predeceased him in 2000.

James was born on December 6, 1937 to Claude and Catherine Ready in Boston. After James graduated from St. Charles High School in Waltham, MA, he went on to study civil engineering at Merrimack College. James spent the majority of his career, more than 35 years, working at the David Taylor Naval Research & Development Center/Model Basin in Potomac, MD. He retired shortly before losing his beloved wife Mary to breast cancer in 2005. He was an avid reader and consumed tomes on history, science, and math. He also enjoyed woodworking and was a self-taught plumber/carpenter/electrician. Over the years he built several additions onto his family home in Bethesda (all by himself), and carved items such as a grandfather clock, several beautiful tables, and replicas of artifacts such a Mayan drum, an Egyptian bust, and a totem pole. He was an accomplished self-taught cook and had a decisive palette. He delighted in spending time with family, in particular with his grandchildren.

A wake will be held at Pumphrey’s Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda on Wednesday, April 10th from 6-8 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kensington, MD on Thursday, April 11th at 10:00 a.m.

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Shay-Whey Margaret Koh - March 31, 1948 - March 30, 2024

Departed: 03/30/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Shay-Whey Margaret Koh, loving mother and accomplished research professor, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2024 at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, MD after suffering a stroke.

Dr. Koh was born in Taipei, Taiwan on March 31, 1948, the eldest of four children. She graduated from Taipei First Girls' High School in 1966 and earned a B.S. in Botany from National Taiwan University in 1970. She went on to earn a master’s from SUNY Brockport in 1973 before completing her Ph.D. in Biochemistry at The Ohio State University in 1978.

Following her graduate studies, Dr. Koh lived in Iowa City to complete a one-year post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Iowa before starting a new assignment at the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 1979. A couple years later, she moved to the D.C. area to work at the National Institutes of Health before returning as a research professor in ophthalmology to the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She stayed at UMB for more than 30 years, ending her career in 2017 as an Associate Professor.

When Dr. Koh first arrived in Baltimore, she met Chung-Mo Kwok, a fellow resident in the same apartment building. They reconnected years later after Chung-Mo returned to the U.S. from teaching mathematics in Iran and the West Bank. They were married in August 1985, purchasing a house in Bethesda, MD the following year. Their son, Siwei, was born in May 1987.

Besides being devoted to her husband and son, she was also a dutiful daughter to her parents who were still in Taiwan. In a notable case of aiding her mother, Dr. Koh conducted independent research at the National Archives, finding as crucial evidence a key telegram between the U.S. and the Republic of China following the end of World War II, which helped exonerate her maternal grandfather, Chiang Wei-chuan, from historical controversy.

Outside of family and work, Dr. Koh was interested in Taiwanese politics, swimming, cooking, playing musical instruments, and painting. She had a love for animals and spent the last years of her career developing and advocating for methods of measuring chemical irritability that do not require animal testing.

She is survived by her son, Siwei Kwok, also of Bethesda, MD, her sister of Baltimore, MD, and her two brothers in Portland, OR and Taipei, Taiwan.

For Dr. Koh's funeral service on Sunday, April 14, 2024, nearby Lulu Florist in Bethesda is preferred for any flower purchases.

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Judith Carr Evans - February 19, 1940 - March 29, 2024

Departed: 03/29/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: The Evans Family announces the death of Judith Carr Evans at 84 on March 29, 2024.

Judy was born February 19, 1940 in Washington, DC to Oliver T. Carr Sr. and Dorothy Peed Carr. Spending her entire life in the Washington, DC area, Judy attended Beauvoir and National Cathedral School (NCS) before heading to American University and graduating with a BA in Education.

Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, but she was extremely strong-willed and beat the disease, continuing to raise her children and embarking on world travel, most notably trips to Mount Kilimanjaro, Patagonia and Antarctica. She also had a deep love for spending time at the Delaware beaches, in the desert of Arizona and raising her many dogs.

In addition to her family, fun and passion for music, Judy helped start The Family Support Center and The Byrnes School, as well as remaining very active at NCS, receiving the Volunteer Achievement Award in 2023 from her Class of 1958.

Judy is survived by brothers Oliver Jr. and Phil, former husband, David with whom she remained very close, along with the three sons they raised (Steve, Jeff and Brian), three daughters-in-law (Peggy, Lianne and Bridget) and seven grandchildren (Brandi, Tyler, Hannah, Ben, Olivia, Mark and Megan).

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Frank Cummings Cook, III - December 22, 1939 - March 29, 2024

Departed: 03/29/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved father Frank Cummings Cook III on Good Friday at the age of 84. He left the world peacefully to join our mother, Kaye who transitioned into the light on 04/08/2013, and our brother Frank on 08/19/2009.

Frank Cummings Cook III was born on 12/22/1939 in Washington DC, the son of Elizabeth Rose Pierce and Frank Cummings Cook Jr.

He attended Bethesda Chevy Chase High School and after Graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in Business Science in 1963. He was accepted into Officer Training School after joining the Navy where he spent most of his career and retired in 1989 as a Commander USN.

Besides his unwavering support and care for his family, he had many deep passions including following and trading stocks on the NYSE, watching and playing sports (including baseball/softball, basketball, tennis, bowling, and football). He also had a passion for travel which grew as his Naval career took him to many destinations around the world (including Japan, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, and many places in the USA).

Frank Cummings Cook III is Survived by his son Ken and daughter Cami (husband Scott), grandchildren Kelly, Kenny, Bryan, Steven, Colby and TS, and he is also survived by his brothers Richard (wife Pam) and David.

There will be a celebration of life ceremony on Saturday, April 13th at 11:00 am at All Saints Episcopal Church (3 Chevy Chase Circle, Chevy Chase, MD 20815) followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation

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Marvin F. Shoemaker - July 02, 1931 - March 29, 2024

Departed: 03/29/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: Marvin F. Shoemaker died on March 29, 2024. Born in Washington, DC on July 2, 1931, Marvin grew up in Brookmont and Cabin John, Maryland. He was predeceased by his parents, Jessie and Nannie, his brothers, Alfred, Jessie, and Norman, and his longtime companion, Mary Shapiro. He is survived by his daughter, Carla, granddaughter, Heather, great grandson, Mason, and great granddaughter, Deborah. Also survived by his grandson, Thomas, son, Lee, daughter, Penny and many cousins. Marvin graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in 1949. He was an accomplished baseball player and golfer. He competed in the All-American Amateur Baseball Tournament in Johnstown, PA. To get into the tournament Marvin, then 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 155 pounds, pitched 3 complete games in four days, winning them all. They called him the “never tiring” Shoemaker. After graduation, he considered going to Wake Forest to play on the golf team. He toured the campus with his good friend from Cabin John, Bubby Worsham (who was Arnold Palmer’s roommate). After a few days on campus, Marvin left for home. Sadly, that night Bubby was killed in an automobile accident not too far from the campus. Arnold Palmer accompanied his body on a train back to Cabin John, Maryland. Marvin went off to the Navy in 1951. He served on a 780 USS Stormes Destroyer in Bainbridge, Maryland for two years and after a time recovering from injuries at Bethesda Naval Hospital he was assigned to the base in Norfolk. After his Commander learned of his prowess as a baseball player, he played on the Norfolk Seabees, and they won the All-Navy Championship. He left the Navy in 1955 and was recruited by the Boston Red Sox. He played on their farm teams in Corning, New York, Albany, New York, and Greensboro, NC. Marvin caddied with some regularity at the Burning Tree Club in Bethesda, Maryland. After caddying for President Eisenhower and General MacArthur one day “Shoe” was standing by the gate in front of the club in a misty rain when the president’s car approached. The window rolled down and the President asked, would you like a ride home. “I sure would” he answered. So many interesting stories. Marvin was involved in a printing business and was part owner of a tavern for a time, but most of his working years were as a painting contractor. He painted in homes and businesses throughout the area, including the White House. He painted the frescoes on the ceiling of the dining room at Congressional Country Club while lying on his back on scaffolding 40 feet off the floor. Marvin hired and mentored many who wanted to learn and work in the painting trade. Gary Close became his star pupil and his good friend. Gary and Marvin were very devoted to each other. Marvin believed in the value of education and advocated at the Montgomery County School Board for special education programs to serve children with learning disabilities. Thanks to the efforts of Marvin and others, special education programs began being implemented in the schools. Today those programs are among the best in the nation. Marvin had a stroke in 2021 and never fully recovered, but he never lost his interest in others and never lost his sense of humor. He was the “mayor” of Carriage Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Gary, Marvin’s friend Margaret Hunt, Carla and Heather all visited Marvin regularly during his stay at Carriage Hill. So many interesting stories! Family and friends will be received at Pumphrey’s Bethesda-Chevy Chase Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Services will be held at the funeral home at 11am. Interment private.

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James F. McDermott II - January 06, 1938 - March 28, 2024

Departed: 03/28/2024 (Bethesda)

Obituary Preview: James Francis (“Jim” or “Mickey”) McDermott II, 86, of Gaithersburg, MD died peacefully surrounded by family on March 28, 2024.

Mickey led a long, happy, purposeful life characterized by faith, service, and scholarship. His family was his greatest joy and he loved supporting his children and grandchildren in countless academic, musical, theatrical, and athletic endeavors. He never missed an opportunity to travel with his wife and siblings, especially if he could enlist his fluent Latin, French, or Italian. He enjoyed music and the family loved listening to him play the piano. He was also a self-proclaimed gym rat and particularly liked basketball, swimming, and running.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska into a devout Roman Catholic family, his deep faith and optimism were ingrained from a young age. Mickey attended La Salette Seminary College in Ipswich, MA before earning his Licentiate in Sacred Theology (S.T.L.) from Angelicum University in Rome. He was ordained in 1964 and served as a Roman Catholic priest for seven years.

In 1971, Mickey left the priesthood, moved to Maryland, and married Sandra Boucher. They raised four daughters in Gaithersburg and became devoted members of St. Rose of Lima Parish, where Mickey continued to teach RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) until a few years ago.

Mickey (known professionally as “Jim”) served 40 years in the federal government and retired in 2011 as Director of the Office of Human Resources for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. He was known for his strategic vision, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Mickey focused on people and fostering an environment in which they could thrive. He was proud that the agency was a three-time winner of the Partnership for Public Service’s Best Places to Work survey during his tenure. Mickey was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 1986 and received the Presidential Distinguished Executive Rank Award for 2008.

Above all, he was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who is dearly missed. He is survived by his cherished wife of 52 years, Sandra Boucher McDermott; daughters Laura Buitron (Jon), Karen McDermott (Harry Greenspun), Patricia Marks (Benjamin), and Theresa McDermott; grandsons Benjamin (Jamie), Luca, Zander, Cyrus, and Alexander; siblings Mary Maxwell, Michael McDermott (Janet), Ann McGill (James), and Patrick McDermott (Jill); and, numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Francis McDermott and Emma Creighton Nash McDermott; eldest sister, Emma Byrne; sister-in-law Sandye McDermott; and, brothers-in-law John Byrne, Charles Maxwell, Leo Boucher, Jr., Rev. Richard Boucher, and Ronald Boucher.

A Memorial Visitation will be held Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Home, 7557 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814. A funeral mass will be held Monday, April 15, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Parish (Historic Chapel), 11701 Clopper Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

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The team at Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. understands that every individual is unique, and that each family's needs are different. That's why they offer personalized funeral services that cater to the specific requirements and preferences of each family. From traditional funerals to cremations, memorial services, and celebrations of life, the funeral home provides a range of options to honor loved ones in a meaningful way.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for families and friends to gather and pay their respects. The spacious chapel can accommodate large crowds, while the visitation rooms and lounges offer a more intimate setting for smaller gatherings. Additionally, the funeral home offers ample parking, wheelchair accessibility, and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment to ensure that all services are conducted with dignity and respect.

Caring and Compassionate Staff

The staff at Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. is comprised of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support to families. From the funeral directors and coordinators to the administrative staff, everyone is committed to ensuring that every detail is taken care of, allowing families to focus on what matters most – saying goodbye to their loved ones.

Community Involvement

Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. is deeply rooted in the local community and is actively involved in various charitable organizations and initiatives. The funeral home regularly participates in events and fundraisers that support local causes, demonstrating its commitment to giving back to the community that has supported it for so many years.

Pre-Planning Services

In addition to providing funeral services at the time of need, Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. also offers pre-planning services for those who wish to plan ahead. By pre-planning funeral arrangements, individuals can ensure that their wishes are respected, while also alleviating the burden on their loved ones during a difficult time.

Contact Information and Resources

If you're in need of funeral services or would like more information about Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc., please don't hesitate to reach out. You can contact the funeral home by phone at (301) 652-1700 or by email at [info@pumphreyfuneralhome.com](mailto:info@pumphreyfuneralhome.com). Additionally, you can visit their website at pumphreyfuneralhome.com to learn more about their services and resources.

A Final Word

In conclusion, Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes, Inc. - Bethesda-Chevy Chase Inc. is a trusted and respected institution that has been serving the Bethesda and Chevy Chase communities for generations. With its commitment to excellence, personalized service, and community involvement, this funeral home is an invaluable resource for families in need of compassionate care during difficult times.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, accomplishments, and funeral or memorial service arrangements.

Why are obituaries important?

Obituaries serve as a way to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing, allowing them to pay their respects and offer condolences. They also provide a sense of closure and help to celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who writes an obituary?

Typically, a family member or close friend of the deceased writes the obituary. In some cases, a funeral home or crematorium may assist with writing the obituary or provide a template for the family to use.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, and a brief biography. It may also include information about their family, education, occupation, hobbies, achievements, and funeral or memorial service arrangements.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary, but it's generally recommended to keep it concise and focused on the most important details. Aim for around 100-200 words.

Can I include photos in an obituary?

Yes, many newspapers and online obituary platforms allow you to include one or more photos of the deceased. This can be a nice way to personalize the obituary and help people remember the person.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper?

Contact the newspaper's obituary department directly to ask about their submission process and deadlines. Some newspapers may have online submission forms or email addresses where you can send the obituary.

Can I write an obituary for someone who has been deceased for a long time?

Yes, it's never too late to write an obituary for someone who has passed away. This can be a meaningful way to honor their memory and share their story with others.

What is the difference between an obituary and a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of someone's passing, usually including only the most basic information such as name, age, and date of death. An obituary is a longer, more detailed notice that includes biographical information and other details about the person's life.

Can I include humor or personality in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary is a celebration of the person's life, so feel free to inject some humor or personality into the writing. This can help make the obituary more engaging and memorable.

Should I include information about the cause of death in an obituary?

This is up to you and your family. Some people choose to include this information, while others prefer not to. Consider what would be most comfortable for you and your loved ones.

Can I include quotes or poems in an obituary?

Yes, quotes or poems can be a beautiful way to add depth and meaning to an obituary. Choose something that resonates with the person's life or personality.

How do I handle errors or corrections in an obituary?

If you notice an error in an obituary that has already been published, contact the newspaper or online platform immediately. They will work with you to correct the mistake and republish the revised obituary.

Can I write an obituary for a pet?

Yes, many people choose to write obituaries for their beloved pets. This can be a meaningful way to acknowledge their importance in your life and say goodbye.

How do I share an obituary on social media?

You can share an online obituary link on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. You can also create a post announcing the person's passing and including some personal thoughts or memories.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes, many people choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary. This allows friends and family to make a donation in lieu of flowers or other gestures.

How do I find old obituaries from years ago?

You can try searching online archives of newspapers or genealogy websites. Many libraries also maintain archives of local newspapers that you can access in person or through interlibrary loan programs.

Can I write an obituary for someone who was not well-known?

Absolutely! An obituary is not just for famous or public figures. Anyone who has lived a life deserves to have their story told and remembered.

How do I deal with conflicting opinions about what to include in an obituary?

This can be challenging! Try to involve multiple family members or friends in the writing process to ensure everyone's voices are heard. You may need to make some compromises along the way.

Can I use an online template to write an obituary?

Yes, there are many online resources that provide templates and guidance for writing an obituary. These can be helpful if you're struggling to get started or need some structure.

How do I know what tone to use when writing an obituary?

The tone of an obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the person who has passed away. Aim for a balance between respectfulness and warmth.

Can I include stories or anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! Stories and anecdotes can bring an obituary to life and make it more engaging for readers. Choose ones that capture the person's essence and personality.

How do I proofread an obituary before submitting it?

Carefully review the text for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Also double-check dates, names, and other factual information to ensure accuracy.

Can I revise an obituary after it has been published?

In some cases, yes. If there are significant errors or omissions, you may be able to revise the obituary and have it re-published. However, this may not always be possible depending on the publication's policies.